Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/synbioethics
The field of synthetic biology (SynBio) is rapidly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in science and technology. However, with great innovation comes great responsibility, and the ethical and policy implications of SynBio are as complex as the science itself. Coursera’s ‘Engineering Life: SynBio, Bioethics & Public Policy’ course offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of these critical issues.
As a learner, I found this course to be incredibly insightful. It begins by grounding us in the history of recombinant DNA technology, drawing parallels to the governance challenges that emerged in its early days and how those lessons are directly applicable to SynBio today. The inclusion of an interview with LeRoy Walters, a key figure in the early rDNA debates, provided a valuable historical perspective.
The course then delves into specific applications and their associated ethical quandaries. Week 2 tackles ‘Gain-of-Function (GOF) Research,’ highlighting the inherent dual-use concerns and introducing the first peer-assessed project, which focuses on identifying ethical duties in GOF research policy. This hands-on approach to policy analysis is a strength of the course.
‘Biofuels’ is explored in Week 3, examining the intricate balance of ethical considerations in this sector and SynBio’s role in its development. Another engaging interview, this time with Deborah Scott, sheds light on biofuels governance. Week 4 shifts to ‘Human Health,’ discussing SynBio applications in healthcare and the ethics of human subjects research. The second peer-assessed project here requires learners to identify stakeholders and their interests in policy decisions, further honing critical thinking skills.
The final week, ‘Governance,’ brings it all together. It explores different models for governing emerging biotechnologies and emphasizes the crucial role of public engagement. Interviews with LeRoy Walters and Jane Calvert add further depth to this discussion. The capstone project, building on previous assessments, challenges learners to develop and defend a policy for genetically modified mosquitoes, a tangible application of the course’s learnings.
Overall, ‘Engineering Life: SynBio, Bioethics & Public Policy’ is a well-structured and thought-provoking course. It successfully demystifies complex scientific and ethical concepts, making them understandable for a broad audience. The blend of lectures, readings, interviews, and peer-assessed projects creates an engaging learning experience. For anyone interested in the future of biotechnology, its ethical implications, and the policies that will shape its trajectory, this course is a highly recommended starting point.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/synbioethics